What is grey gold?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Grey gold is a gold alloy that contains a high proportion of iron, which shifts the usual warm yellow of gold toward a cool, steely grey tone. It is a rarer alloy in commercial jewellery than yellow, white or rose gold, and its distinctive muted colour has attracted designers looking for an unconventional, contemporary aesthetic. Unlike rhodium-plated white gold, which achieves its bright colour through a surface coating, grey gold's colour comes from the alloy composition itself, though the softness of gold with high iron content can make it challenging to work.
Frequently asked questions
- Is grey gold the same as white gold?
- No, they are distinct alloys. White gold is typically made with palladium or silver and finished with rhodium plating for a bright, silver-white look. Grey gold contains iron, which gives it a darker, more muted, cooler tone closer to gunmetal than polished white.
- Is grey gold common in jewellery?
- It is uncommon compared to yellow, white and rose gold. Grey gold appeals to designers and wearers who want a more unconventional, industrial-feeling precious metal, and it appears in contemporary and avant-garde pieces more than in mainstream fine jewellery.
- What carat is grey gold typically made in?
- Grey gold alloys vary, but an 18ct grey gold might consist of 75% gold, with the remainder made up of iron and other elements. The specific proportions affect both the depth of grey and the workability of the metal.
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